“(Keep up your courage and eat) 35 After he had said this, he took bread;
and giving thanks to God in the presence of all, he broke it and began to eat. 36
Then all of them were encouraged and took food for themselves.”
– Acts 27: 35 – 36a NRSV
When we gather or come together around a table, it is no ordinary doing. In this action, we’re setting aside for a few moments life’s challenges (in this text - storms and an impending shipwreck). We provide care, witness and celebration in the presence of all in our breaking bread and partaking of it. We can have confidence that someone is being nourished and encouraged, even if only the faithful few. In this season of thanksgiving, let us enjoy the gift of breaking bread and sharing with others much, much more than just the fixings.
In this season of giving thanks, let me say: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I/we have so much to be thankful for and among the very top of the list is all of you, our PSWR Disciples! I would like to thank our regional planning committee, regional volunteers, regional leadership, regional staff, regional young adults, regional youth and to all in PSWR who “showed up and showed out!” Over 400 Disciples from all across our region and wider church, came together for our Regional Gathering in October. We had two worship services, a regional business session, one Bible study, 11 workshops and registered 95 Disciples on site (317 pre-registered). We pride ourselves in hospitality! However, we were overwhelmed by everyone who gave us so much love when there were not enough chairs to find for lunch. Our regional staff will meet with our planning team to ensure our Disciples Ministry Center will be ready for an even larger Assembly, next year! Thank you, again to everyone for a Pastors Summit, Regional Gathering and Installation Service that exceeded all of my expectations.
I’m thankful for you. Please keep me and our regional staff in prayer, as we will be in prayer for you, in this our new chapter in ministry together. Let’s keep breaking bread!
To God be the glory!
With Happy Thanksgiving,
Richie